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2011 Mazda Tribute problems

The most common problem on the 2011 Mazda Tribute is steering. It has fewer complaints than a typical Tribute model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
95/100
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
0
Service bulletins
43
Worst area
Steering
Fuel economy
20-32mpg

The worst 2011 Mazda Tribute problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Steering
    5
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Steering
    5
  • Body
    1
  • Electrical
    1
  • Fuel system
    1

Recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Technical service bulletins for the 2011 Mazda Tribute 43

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 43 bulletins for the 2011 Mazda Tribute

2011 Mazda Tribute fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.5L 4‑cyl HybridFWD343032
2.5L 4‑cyl Hybrid4WD302729
2.5L 4‑cylFWD21-232823-25
2.5L 4‑cylAWD202622
3.0L 6‑cylFWD192521
3.0L 6‑cylAWD182320

What 2011 Mazda Tribute owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Apr 28, 2023 · Steering · 103,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became firm and failed to respond to driver input. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights started to flicker, and the vehicle stalled. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred; however, the steering wheel became loose and unresponsive to driver input. The contact stated that on another occasion the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel locked and could not be turned in either direction. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Filed Apr 24, 2023 · Steering · 87,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2011 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH and turning the steering wheel to the left, there was a slight vibration coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle then lost power steering functionality. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled off the roadway, turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had occurred twice in one month. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V282000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

Filed Feb 7, 2023 · Body · NY · crash

The passenger subframe is rusted and broke the axel when driving. Glad im ok….So dangerous and the driver side is fine so bad design by ford (the tribute is like the escape)

Filed Mar 3, 2022 · Steering · MA

I bought the car used several years ago and in the past year have experienced the steering wheel all of a sudden appear to be locking up. I looked up the recall and found that this is a known issue with the Mazda Tribute vehicles. I checked with dealer and they agreed. I contact Mazda customer service on 3 different occasions in the last month and they have issued a case number but will not acknowledge that my vehicle is a covered VIN to be fixed. They said its not part of the recall. It is and I have asked them to look into it. When I drive and pull into a parking lot such as a Starbucks and have to make a turn off a main road the vehicle steering locks up and the recall is 7614E Mazda acknowledges that the recall is correct in which the power steering torque sensor fails but refuses to cover my specific Mazda Tribute which is 2011. This range is covered and they said they wont cover it. I need the federal safety agency to investigate this and contact Mazda to enforce it being covered under the recall. When this happens I am fearful that I will not be able to turn and hit a car, a person, or a building because it becomes so hard to turn. Only remedy is to shut car off and wait 20 minutes then turn back on. Sadly Mazda keeps tell me they wont cover it.

Filed Feb 1, 2021 · Electrical, Steering · 145,055 miles · ME

Twice, while driving under 25 MPH, and both times while turning to the right, the power steering has stopped working. When checked by a mechanic, it was determined to be the steering shaft torque sensor malfunctioned: code b2278-2f

Filed Oct 21, 2020 · Steering · 125,000 miles · TX

I was driving my vehicle on a city street, and the steering suddenly began to lock up. The vehicle was in motion when this occurred. I was not able to turn or control the steering wheel; it became extremely hard. I was not on my brakes, I was driving straight with my feet on the gas. This happened twice in the last 4 days. I brought the vehicle to the mazda dealership and they said the steering wheel column needed to be replaced, the torque sensor, and calibration. I read the 2011 mazda and ford escapes that was built in the kansas city factory were recalled for this same exact issue in 2014 which I did not own the vehicle at that time.

Filed Jun 29, 2020 · Fuel system · 92,000 miles · NY

Gas filler neck gross evap leak / canister purge valve leak/ codes p0455 p0457 I was told that ford makes mazda parts and ford escape SUV trucks are known for these problems with evap system??

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2011 Mazda Tribute before you buy

Compare the 2011 Mazda Tribute

Other model years

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Questions about the 2011 Mazda Tribute

Is the 2011 Mazda Tribute reliable?

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2011 Mazda Tribute, fewer than a typical Tribute model year.

What is the 2011 Mazda Tribute year score?

The 2011 Mazda Tribute scores 95 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mazda Tribute: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2011 Mazda Tribute?

Steering, with 5 complaints. Next is body (1).

How many recalls does the 2011 Mazda Tribute have?

No recalls on record.

What year does the Mazda Tribute have bad steering?

The Mazda Tribute model years with the most steering complaints are 2008 (94 complaints), 2001 (35 complaints) and 2009 (19 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2011 Mazda Tribute get?

Official estimates for the 2011 Mazda Tribute range from 20 to 32 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, FWD) gets 34 city and 30 highway.

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